Human applications
In the human area, we focus on localized applications, administered topically, by inhalation or using gene therapy. Our pipeline is divided between the development of new nanobodies against different disease targets in parallel with the development of new formulations or vehicles to administer them locally.
SKIN DISEASES
Problem:
Many chronic skin diseases are due to disorders in our immune system, with psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent, affecting more than 600 million people worldwide.
In addition to traditional drug treatments, which have been of little efficacy, in recent years biological treatments with monoclonal antibodies have emerged, showing promising results. However, they are expensive, cannot be formulated in creams and due to their systemic application, they increase the appearance of adverse effects.
Our solution:
NANOGROW is dedicated to developing a new generation of biological drugs that merge the efficacy of antibodies with the safety and convenience of topical cream application. Our use of nanobodies, which exhibit remarkable physicochemical stability, enables us to formulate our drugs in creams that can be directly applied to the lesion area, avoiding systemic side effects.
Due to their small size, nanobodies are able to penetrate skin layers, neutralizing molecules that cause disease.
CANCER TREATMENT
Problem:
Targeted therapies aimed at stimulating anti-tumor immunity, based on monoclonal antibodies, have revolutionized the fight against various types of cancer.
Although they have achieved lasting clinical responses in many patients, there is still a wide margin for improvement in their efficacy. One of the main disadvantages of monoclonal antibodies is their limited penetration into the tumor due to their large size. In addition, their systemic administration often causes adverse events related to the immune system.
Our solution:
The small size and genetic simplicity of nanobodies make them attractive anti-tumor agents, as they can achieve high extravasation and tumor penetration combined with low immunogenicity.
At NANOGROW, nanobodies can be locally administered with the use of gene therapy vectors capable of expressing high levels of nanobodies in the tumor environment also synergizing with the stimulation of a potent immune response.
respiratory ALLERGIES/asTHma
Problem:
Despite the availability of high-dose steroids and other treatment options, patients with severe asthma often suffer from persistent symptoms and frequent exacerbations. Additionally, they may be at risk of experiencing side effects associated with long-term steroid use.
As an alternative, systemic administration of monoclonal antibodies has been proposed as a new therapy option, which has shown promise in clinical studies. However, these therapies may also have adverse effects on the patient’s immune system
Our solution:
Unlike monoclonals, nanobodies can be administered locally, being formulated in aerosols showing high stability.
Their small size allows for rapid penetration into both the bronchia and lung parenchyma, neutralizing key molecules in the inflammatory response that triggers asthma, avoiding unwanted effects on distant organs.
